MUMBAI | December 6, 2025: In what officials describe as a sophisticated, multi-layered scam, one victim was coerced into transferring his entire life savings ₹58.13 crore over a span of 40 days after being trapped in a meticulously orchestrated fake legal operation.
The Maharashtra Cyber Department has now announced a reward for information leading to the arrest of the prime accused, Devender Satyanarayan Saini, a resident of Kekri, Ajmer (Rajasthan), who remains absconding since the case was registered.
The Trap: Fake TRAI and ‘Crime Branch’ Calls
According to investigators, the scam began when the victim received a call from an international number, where the caller impersonated an official of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The caller falsely claimed that the victim’s phone number was being used for “illegal message circulation.” The call was then transferred to another fraudster posing as a Mumbai Crime Branch officer, who alleged that the victim’s bank accounts were linked to money-laundering activities.
The victim was told he could face “digital arrest” an alleged online detainment and virtual court appearance unless he complied with the investigation.
Under intense psychological pressure, the victim began transferring funds “for verification” to accounts provided by the accused. What followed was a 40-day sequence of deception, fear, and complete financial ruin.
Fake Police Station and Virtual Court Created on Video Call
To make the scam look legitimate, the gang set up a fake police station and courtroom via video call. During these calls, several conspirators appeared in police uniforms and judicial robes, staging a mock “verification hearing.” The victim was repeatedly instructed to pay fees and penalties to “clear his name.”
In total, ₹58.13 crore was transferred across multiple bank accounts routed through VPNs and TOR networks to hide digital footprints. Cyber experts described it as one of the most elaborate and psychologically manipulative frauds in India’s cybercrime history.
The Money Trail: 13 Layers, 20,000 Mule Accounts
A detailed financial probe by Maharashtra Cyber revealed a complex 13-layered laundering network, involving over 20,000 mule accounts created across various banks. Most of these accounts were opened under shell companies and low-income individuals, serving as conduits for fund diversion.
The cyber police traced the transactions to several entities across India and abroad, with at least seven accused arrested and multiple others under surveillance.
Investigators also confirmed that the calls originated from foreign IP addresses, routed through encrypted networks to obscure the masterminds’ locations.
Banks Under Scrutiny for Missing Red Flags
The probe revealed that the victim made 27 separate visits to his bank, transferring massive sums over 40 days yet no suspicious activity was flagged. Officials described this as a systemic failure of the banking sector’s red-flag monitoring mechanisms, designed to detect high-risk or abnormal transactions.
The scamsters also exploited vulnerable individuals, offering small commissions in exchange for control over their accounts later used to funnel illicit funds.
Public Alert: ‘Digital Arrest’ Has No Legal Standing
The Maharashtra Cyber Department has issued a nationwide advisory warning citizens that ‘digital arrest’ and ‘online court proceedings’ do not exist in Indian law.
“No government agency or police officer will ever demand money over the phone,” the statement said. Any such calls should be immediately reported to the 1930 helpline or on cybercrime.gov.in.”
Authorities have also launched a public awareness campaign to educate people about fake law enforcement calls, phishing scams, and psychological manipulation tactics used by cybercriminals.
When Fear Becomes a Tool of Fraud
The ₹58 crore ‘Digital Arrest’ case is not just a story of cyber theft it’s a stark reminder of how fear, technology, and misplaced trust can be exploited as weapons of crime.
“When criminals disguise themselves as law, fear itself becomes their greatest weapon,” said a senior cybercrime official.
In today’s digital age, experts say, fraud no longer begins with a password it begins with fear.
